The Chickens are now looking into the abyss, is it liquid or solid ground in which they will land. They wander the ledge, unable to make the jump – stuck in the contemplative stage, stagnant, pausing, waiting, hoping for some “sign” some push or change to occur that would enable them to make a the leap. I remained here for quite some time until I forced myself to create a new image, make a move and what transpired was “Cocoon”…next week’s image.
I love chickens. I love the softness of their feathers and their red beaks. I love the roosters cry in the early morning. Whenever I travel I seek out the heart of the city, the local markets where the community thrives and nourishes itself. These particular chickens were shot in Alexandria, Egypt but it doesn’t really matter. In folklore, the chicken represents a transitional animal, one poised on the threshold of change. They are aware of the darkness, and they wake knowing to look for the light. Throughout mythology and folklore it is the chicken who represents the break of day, the one who wakes the sleepers and stops the intrusion of darkness when the nocturnal monsters are sent running into the shadows by the sound of a rooster’s cry. The Chicken is a very curious bird, always aware of their environment, symbolizing knowledge, learning, reflection and observation. They guard their personal space, do not like confinement and have an innate ability to sense danger. The Chicken animal totem is a strong spirit and they empower the love of learning and the ability to teach others.
The Opening of Eyes by David Whyte
That day I saw beneath dark clouds the passing light over the water and I heard the voice of the world speak out, I knew then, as I had before life is no passing memory of what has been nor the remaining pages in a great book waiting to be read.
It is the opening of eyes long closed. It is the vision of far off things seen for the silence they hold. It is the heart after years of secret conversing speaking out loud in the clear air.
It is Moses in the desert fallen to his knees before the lit bush. It is the man throwing away his shoes as if to enter heaven and finding himself astonished, opened at last, fallen in love with solid ground.
— David Whyte from Songs for Coming Home ©1984 Many Rivers Press
